Agenerase

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Agenerase Capsules

Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.(Generic versions may still be available.)

PATIENT INFORMATION

AGENERASE® (amprenavir) Capsules

ALERT: Find out about medicines that should not be taken with AGENERASE.
Read the section: “What important information should I know about taking
AGENERASE with other medicines?”

Read this information carefully before you start taking AGENERASE (ah-GEN-er-ase).
Read the information each time you get more medicine. There may be new information.
This information does not take the place of talks with your healthcare provider
when you start this medicine and at checkups.

What is the most important information I should know about AGENERASE?

AGENERASE can cause serious and life-threatening side effects if you take
it with certain other medicines. For information about these medicines, see
the section “What important information should I know about taking AGENERASE
with other medicines?”

AGENERASE is used only in combination with other anti-HIV medicines. When used
in combination therapy, AGENERASE may help lower the amount of HIV found in
your blood, raise CD4 (T) cell counts, and keep your immune system as healthy
as possible, so it can help fight infection. However, AGENERASE does not have
these effects in all patients.

AGENERASE does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. We do not know if AGENERASE
will help you live longer or have fewer of the medical problems (opportunistic
infections) that people get with HIV or AIDS. Therefore, be sure to see your
healthcare provider regularly. The long-term effects of AGENERASE are not known.

AGENERASE has not been shown to reduce the risk of passing HIV to others through
sexual contact or blood. Continue to practice safe sex and do not use or share
dirty needles.

Children from 4 to 12 years of age can take AGENERASE. Your healthcare provider
will tell you if the oral solution (liquid) or capsule is best for your child.
Your child's healthcare provider will decide the right dose based on your child's
weight and age.

AGENERASE has not been studied in people who have taken anti-HIV medicine combinations
before that included a protease inhibitor.

Who should not take AGENERASE?

Do not take AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) if

you are taking certain medicines. Read the section entitled “What
important information should I know about taking AGENERASE with other medicines?”

are allergic to sulfa medicines. AGENERASE may cause problems for you.

What important information should I know about taking AGENERASE with other
medicines? Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take,
including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Some of them may cause dangerous and life-threatening side effects if
you take them during treatment with AGENERASE. For other medicines, you may
need to change your dose to avoid problems.

If you are on methadone therapy, talk to your doctor about possible interactions.

Do NOT take the following medicines* with AGENERASE. You could develop serious
or life-threatening problems.

VIAGRA® (sildenafil; used for impotence). You may get increased side
effects such as low blood pressure, changes in vision, or erections that last
more than 4 hours. If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help
right away.

The following medicines* may cause serious problems if you take them with
AGENERASE. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any of these medicines.

RESCRIPTOR® (delavirdine; used for HIV) and certain other anti-HIV medicines

Hormonal contraceptives (e.g., birth control pills) because the effectiveness
of one or both drugs may be decreased. Talk to your doctor about choosing
a different typ e of contraceptive.

Vitamin E. AGENERASE contains high daily doses of vitamin E that could interfere
with medicines that help you stop bleeding.

This list is not complete. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about
all the medicines you take.

How should I take AGENERASE?

Take AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) every day exactly as your healthcare provider has
prescribed it, so it will be as effective as possible. Your healthcare
provider will decide the right dose for you.

If you miss a dose by more than 4 hours , wait and take the next dose
at the regular time.However, if you miss a dose by fewer than 4 hours,
take your missed dose right away. Then take your next dose at the regular
time.

Do not take more or less than your prescribed dose of AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules)
at any one time. Do not change your dose or stop taking AGENERASE without
talking with your healthcareprovider.

You can take AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) with or without food. However, do not
take AGENERASE with a high-fat meal. This could reduce the effectiveness of
the medicine.

If you take AGENERASE with the buffered form of VIDEX® (didanosine,
ddI), take them at least 1 hour apart.

If you take AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) with antacids, take them at least 1 hour
apart.

When your supply of AGENERASE or other anti-HIV medicine starts to run low,
arrange to get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. The amount
of virus in your blood may increase if one or more of the drugs are stopped,
even for a short time.

Stay under the care of a healthcare provider while using AGENERASE.

What should I avoid while taking AGENERASE? Do not

switch from AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) to AGENERASE Oral Solution without talking
to your healthcare provider. You may get increased side effects if you switch.

take vitamin E while taking AGENERASE. It contains large amounts of vitamin
E.

take AGENERASE with a high- fat meal. It could reduce the effectiveness
of the medicine.

What are the possible side effects of AGENERASE?

AGENERASE can cause a severe or life-threatening rash. Call your healthcare
provider right away if you have a rash. Your healthcare provider will advise
you whether your symptoms can be managed on therapy or whether AGENERASE should
be stopped.

Common side effects of AGENERASE are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash,
and a tingling feeling, especially around the mouth, and change in taste. These
are usually mild to moderate. Depression and mood problems have also been reported
in patients taking AGENERASE.

Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking antiretroviral therapy.
These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck
(“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the trunk. Loss of fat from
the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects
of these conditions are not known at this time.

This list of side effects is not complete. Your healthcare provider
or pharmacist can give you a more complete list of possible side effects. Talk
with your healthcare provider about any concerns about the way you are feeling
while you are taking AGENERASE.

How should I store AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) ?

AGENERASE Capsules (amprenavir capsules) should be stored at room temperature and should no t be
refrigerated.

General advice about prescription medicines

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in
patient information leaflets. Do not use AGENERASE for a condition for which
it was not prescribed. Do not give AGENERASE to other people, even if they have
the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about AGENERASE. If
you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist
or doctor for information about AGENERASE that is written for health professionals.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/16/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.